Battle of the Biryani

Photograph: Courtesy of Kacchi Genie

Being a foodie and a food blogger, my love for Kacchi Biryani borders on the fanatical. In fact, it was my love for kacchi that got me started on my journey as a blogger and gained me the title of “Kacchi Genie.”

I think the wedding-style Kacchi is ten times better than what most restaurants serve. No offence to the restaurants – their Kacchi is fine, but nothing beats the flavour, love, and care that go into biye barir Kacchi. Maybe it’s the handpicked ingredients, maybe the slow cooking over wood fire, but that aroma and taste are something no restaurant can truly copy. I attend weddings only for the Kacchi, not to meet people or take photos. My main focus is that heavenly plate of biye barir kacchi!

The real star behind this dish is always the baburchi who pours his heart and soul into the pot. Let’s talk about a few names who’ve kept this beautiful tradition alive.

 

Fakhruddin Biryani

Md Fakhruddin Ahmed is rightly called the “father of wedding food” in Bangladesh. He started as a baburchi from Old Dhaka in the 60s and 70s, doing private contracts for celebrities and government dignitaries and became famous for his Mughlai and traditional Bangla dishes.

His biryani became the talk of the town. Soon, he was being hired for weddings, political events, and special occasions. “Fakhruddin Biryani” became a symbol of taste and trust. By the 1980s and 90s, his family turned his name into a proper brand, opening outlets all over Dhaka. Their catering service started with a minimum order of 15 people. I’ve tried it myself. Honestly, it tastes just like biye barir kacchi cooked at home.

Their signature items – Kacchi Biryani, Chicken Roast, and Borhani – are unbeatable, and Firni and Jarda complete the full wedding food experience. In 2013, they even opened a branch in Dubai to share authentic Bangladeshi flavour abroad. After his passing, his family continues to carry his legacy.

 

Salam’s Kitchen

Haji Salam Miah, the man behind Salam’s Kitchen, is now one of the most successful chefs in Bangladesh.

Born in 1961, Salam Miah faced a tough childhood. After losing his father at just 12, he began working with his grandfather’s kitchen team to support his family.
At 16, he got his big break when he cooked lunch for 400 wedding guests at Babar Road, Mohammadpur. Everyone loved the food. That moment changed his life.

After an abortive attempt to start his own catering business in 1981, he briefly went abroad and returned home in 1993 with new skills and confidence. Salam says he was the first to introduce Basmati Kacchi to Dhaka, made with long-grain rice and tender, aromatic mutton. Soon after, he launched Salam Catering Service, followed by Victoria Community Centre in Dhanmondi and his restaurant Salam’s Kitchen in Banani. I’ve had Salam’s Kacchi many times, and it never disappoints.

 

Iqbal Catering

Iqbal Catering has been serving the community for over 35 years. Established in 1987 with its head office in Mohammadpur, they specialise in wedding catering, large events, AGMs, and private parties.

Their menu includes Bangladeshi, South Asian, and continental dishes, but they are best known for their flavourful biryanis. Shahi Zafrani Biryani, Morog Polao, and Tehari are fan favourites. They always emphasise quality and maintain high Halal standards.

Iqbal Catering’s team is known for its professionalism, taste, and reliability. Over the decades, they’ve earned a solid reputation as one of the most trusted names in the catering world. You’ll often find their setups at top venues like Sena Kunjo, Army Golf Club, and Sena Malancha. They have the expertise to handle massive events smoothly, with no compromise on quality.

 

Master Chef Subrat Ali

Master Chef Subrat Ali has a long and proud heritage that dates back to 1862! For over 150 years, they’ve been ruling the catering business in Bangladesh with class and consistency. Their kitchen is based in Uttara, and the legacy was started by Haji Subrat Ali, who came from a royal Nawab family in Dhaka.

Now here’s something truly interesting: they claim to be the original creators of Kacchi Biryani. After trying their food, I can see why they’d say that. Their Kacchi Biryani, made with fragrant chinigura rice, is their signature dish and a must-try for any biryani lover.

They specialise in premium catering services for weddings, corporate programs, and high-end events. But what I love is that they also do small-scale deliveries – you can order their delicious food for as few as 15 people, which is perfect for intimate gatherings or family occasions.

Over the years, their name has crossed borders. It’s said that the likes of Queen Elizabeth II and John F Kennedy have tasted their food! How amazing is that?